When the air cools and hints of fall weather roll in, you may notice some unexpected changes when you’re looking in the mirror. Whenever the seasons shift or you move through different climates, the weather changes can quickly affect your skin. In colder places, your skin might feel more tight and dry. While in warmer climates, oils build up and cause acne. No matter what the forecast brings, here are some tips for taking care of your skin when the weather changes.
How Your Skin Reacts to Weather Changes
As the air cools down transitioning in the fall, humidity levels start to drop too. Your skin likes to stay hydrated, so less humidity can quickly cause unwanted irritation. Lack of hydration can cause dry, cracked skin and inflammation. Dry skin can also further irritate skin problems you already have. If you are acne-prone, you may see more spots pop up while those that suffer from dryness or eczema may have flare-ups when the weather changes.
When it starts getting cold out, your daily routine changes, which can affect your skin as well. We all know there’s no better ending to a long day out in the cold than a hot shower. But taking hot showers can seriously cause more dryness problems in the skin. Turning on the heat in your home also contributes to dryness and irritation.
Even though most of us are gearing up for fall, if you’re planning to go somewhere warm for a little vacation, that change affects your skin too. When you’re exposed to hot and humid weather, your skin may feel more greasy as more oils build up on the surface. Overall, your skin likes consistency, so no matter what the weather does, expect your skin to react.
Ways to Take Care of Your Skin
You should always take care of your skin with a simple routine that works for you. When it comes to weather changes, here are a few tips to help you adapt and conquer common skin issues that may arise.
- Avoid hot showers. Taking lukewarm showers can help keep your skins’ protective barrier intact and prevent dryness and irritation.
- Moisturize! When it gets colder, you can switch to a heavier moisturizer or lotion to prevent cracking on the skin. Look for moisturizers with ingredients like hyaluronic acid to really lock in that moisture. And when it gets warmer, swap that out for a lightweight moisturizer. No matter the season, you should always apply face moisturizer with SPF to prevent sun damage.
- Keep it simple. Create a routine that is easy to follow and swap out products as the weather changes. In the fall and winter, you can opt for a creamy cleanser for more hydration and then swap it out for an oil-removing cleanser in the summer months. Having a standard routine where you can easily adjust your products will help you be prepared to tackle any unexpected changes in your skin.
No matter how the seasons change, you want to keep your skin looking great. To discover the best way to care for your skin in any weather, schedule a consultation with an Elan Skin expert! Our team is here and ready to help you feel beautiful and confident in your skin.